360 Insights Gives to Dc Alumni Spotlights Urban Design Award Stay Connected

AUGUST 2018 360 INSIGHTS GIVES TO DC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS URBAN DESIGN AWARD STAY CONNECTED

ABOUT THIS ISSUE The award-winning DC Alumni magazine is written, designed and published by the Communications and Marketing department to complement the Reflections publication prepared three times a year by students in Durham College’s (DC) Public Relations program. Both are available by visiting ourAlumni publications page.

Do you have a story idea or something to share? Is there anything you would like to read about? We would love to hear from you!

Please email us with your comments, questions or suggestions. IN THIS ISSUE AUGUST 2018

04 Message from the president 20 Inspiration from the ground up 06 Message from the 22 From our kitchen to yours: DCAA president Salt-free chicken salad with orange ginger vinaigrette 08 DC receives 2018 Urban Design Award for Centre for 26 2018 Alumni of Collaborative Education Distinction profiles 10 D onor profile: 30 New benefits for alumni 360Insights and the CFCE 32 Class notes 12 Alumni spotlight: Andy Popko 34 Sports shorts 16 Dental Hygiene students at DC give back to the Durham Region 36 Upcoming events 18 Alumni spotlight: 40 G iving to DC Cassie-Jean Dillon MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

In the last issue of DC Alumni we touched If you feel like you want a little more DC in your on the EMSI (Economic Modeling Specialists life, I encourage you to re-engage with the college International) report that found the economic you once called home. Come visit or volunteer for impact of Durham College (DC) is $913.3 events like Open House or Orientation, sign up million for 2016-2017, with the accumulated for one of the networking events or professional contribution of DC alumni currently employed development sessions offered by the Office of in the regional workforce equating to $725.4 Development and Alumni Affairs or consider million in added income. Those statistics speak to making a donation to support future students or the efforts of our alumni – more than 40,000 in continued development on campus. Durham alone – in helping to drive the economic In this issue of the magazine you will find stories and social values of the region. of fellow alumni who are living their dreams and Whether you are living close to DC or further spotlights about donors who are contributing to afield, I truly believe our alumni are builders and student success, as well as much more. So enjoy leaders who are representing the college in your catching up with all that’s going on at DC and personal and professional lives. enjoy the rest of your summer!

We are proud of each and every one of you and love hearing about your successes and stories. Don Which is why we want to stay in touch through social media, or this magazine. We also encourage you to drop us a line.

4 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 DC President Don Lovisa kicks off demolition of the beloved Simcoe building

DCALUMNI MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 5 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE DC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

As the long, hot days of summer fade, many of our DC now has over 86,000 alumni, a number that recent graduates will experience a new beginning: continues to climb exponentially year-over-year. their first September without any back-to-school To benefit our growing alumni community, the commitments. The Durham College Alumni DCAA continues to add new affinity partners, Association (DCAA) is always looking for ways to available exclusively to DC alumni. Start saving reach out, reconnect and support its members, today, and view our current offers atwww. and I encourage our vibrant alumni community durhamcollege.ca/alumnibenefits. The DCAA is to do the same. Stay in touch and be a resource also here to serve its members by listening to to each other, and include those who are newly their voices throughout the year as well as at our graduated and now entering the workforce. Annual General Meeting (AGM). We welcome all members of the alumni community to attend our With that in mind, on behalf of the DCAA, I next AGM on Wednesday, September 12 at 7 p.m. would like to congratulate the more than 4,000 in the new Centre for Collaborative Education Durham College (DC) students who received their (CFCE) and we hope to see you there. credentials during this year’s Spring Convocation in June. We also had the pleasure of presenting As I wrap up my term as president and reflect an Alumni of Distinction award to four deserving on this past year, I would like to extend a warm recipients – Chief Bryant Wood (1990), Manjula welcome to the DCAA incoming president Selvarajah (2014), Kurtis Sisk (2000), and Roland Michele Roberts. Kielbasiewicz (1990) – all of whom have made So enjoy the final days of summer. I wish you the extraordinary contributions to society while also best in the months and years to come. achieving career success. You can read more about them on page 26 of this issue. Sincerely,

Elaine Garnett, Class of 1990 President, DC Alumni Association

6 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 Durham College Alumni Association president Elaine Garnett

DCALUMNI MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE DC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 7 DC RECEIVES 2018 URBAN DESIGN AWARD FOR CENTRE FOR COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION

The Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE), “We are proud to be creating a facility that will Durham College’s (DC) newest building has expand local programming, further connect been honoured before the doors officially open. Indigenous communities to post-secondary DC is proud to have been presented with the education and drive entrepreneurship and prestigious 2018 Urban Design Award from the internationalization in our community,” said Don City of Oshawa at a special awards ceremony, Lovisa, president, DC. “The CFCE will be an held at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa educational hub that is about building possibilities on June 14. and helping students realize their full potential by offering experiential learning opportunities Scheduled to open in September, the CFCE is designed to match the needs of industry, the college’s most ambitious and transformative reflecting Durham College’s dedication to meeting initiative in the institution’s 51-year history. the demands of students, employers and our Montgomery Sisam Architects designed the changing economy.” building in a joint venture with Architecture Counsel Inc. The CFCE replaces DC’s aging The accessible, four-storey, 75,000-square-foot- Simcoe building, which was built as a temporary facility will house three new interprofessional structure and opened in 1969. simulation labs and an anatomy and physiology lab. The Durham College Spa will support the A combination of limestone, white architectural Massage Therapy, Cosmetic Techniques and block, wood soffit, and a Muntz copper metal Management, and Esthetician – Spa Management panel system create a dynamic expression programs. The CFCE will also include new that references the existing campus while academic learning spaces with the addition of maintaining an efficient, more modern enclosure. nine general purpose collaborative classrooms Inside, Montgomery Sisam and Architecture and a state-of-the-art Global Classroom which Counsel designed light-filled, flexible spaces to enables students to interact with other students accommodate a wide variety of programs and and experts from around the world. There will student needs. also be 10 classrooms for the Centre for Success program which allows secondary students to participate in post-secondary courses and

8 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 Montgomery Sisam Architects designed the Centre of Collaborative Education (CFCE) in a joint venture with Architecture Counsel Inc. apprenticeship training to earn dual credits that The Oshawa Urban Design Awards program count towards both their high school diploma was created in 2011 to recognize the significant and post-secondary credential. The First Peoples contributions that architects, landscape architects, Indigenous Centre, Office of Student Diversity, urban designers, planners, developers, builders Inclusion and Transitions and Research office’s and other individuals make to the appearance, FastStart operation will all be housed in the new livability, and quality of life in Oshawa. In 2012 building as well. the college received an Award of Excellence for its Student Services building, which officially opened “The CFCE building is visually unique and will in March 2011. serve as a stunning gateway for the college,” said Lovisa. “The architects have cleverly included part In addition to receiving this award DC’s CFCE the college’s history into the new building, by building is also eligible to participate in the 2018 creating a beautiful entrance feature, which National Urban Design Awards (Tier II) Program incorporates a living wall and reclaimed stone administered by the Royal Architectural Institute from the original Simcoe building.” of Canada.

DCALUMNI DC RECEIVES 2018 URBAN DESIGN AWARD FOR CENTRE FOR COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION 9 DONOR PROFILE: 360INSIGHTS AND THE CFCE

With making a difference in the world as one of Given that 360insights actively works to foster its founding commitments, it’s no surprise that on- innovation, she is really pleased the funds are demand incentive solutions provider 360insights being used to help build a local community has continually found ways to support the local of entrepreneurs and world-class students. and global community since its inception in 2012. “Innovation comes from people who aren’t afraid to take chances. Without it, we wouldn’t have the Durham College (DC) is the latest recipient of advances that we do.” the company’s generosity and support, having received a significant donation to its Building It’s a sentiment shared by 360insight’s founder Something Amazing capital campaign. Funds and CEO Jason Atkins. “At 360insights we believe raised through the campaign are helping replace in living in the possible. This means we strive the Simcoe building with the college’s new Centre for excellence free of limitations for both our for Collaborative Education (CFCE) scheduled to clients and employees, which is exactly what open in fall 2018. entrepreneurs do each day. We are thrilled that our donation will support the local community Named honour of the company’s generosity, the while also helping students and youth transform 360insights Entrepreneurship Centre will be home their limitless ideas into reality.” to FastStartDC, a program that helps students and youth develop valid business ideas and plans to As the finishing touches are put in place at the take their products and services to market quickly CFCE, the 360insights Entrepreneurial Centre is and successfully. getting ready to welcome students with big ideas and even bigger ambitions to turn those dreams It’s a donation that hits close to home for one into reality and you can bet Jenny Oldford and 360insights employee, who also happens to be a the rest of the 360insights team will be cheering 2012 graduate from the college’s Sport Business them on! Management (graduate certificate) program. Jenny Oldford began working as a data specialist after her graduation from DC and says it’s “very cool” that this donation creates a tie between her employer, alma mater and the broader community.

10 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 DCALUMNI DONOR PROFILE 11 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ANDY POPKO, 1987 joint ventures with Chiefs and councils. At the What started as a mentor’s encouragement to same time, Popko was fighting battles with his attend Durham College (DC) for Public Relations, colleagues in industry. quickly set Andy Popko on the path to an Considering the land, and the First Nations extraordinary career full of meaning and passion peoples’ rights to that land, was a foreign concept creating opportunities for Canada’s Indigenous to many. peoples. “Back in the late 80s and early 90s you would go Beginning his career in 1978 with Calgary-based into a lot of meetings and people wouldn’t believe EnCana, one of the world’s leading independent that you had to take the rights of the Indigenous oil and gas companies, Popko never imagined peoples into account,” he recalled. “A lot of the public relations could be his calling until his battles I fought were internal. We had to educate mentor and president of EnCana saw his potential our employees and senior management about and sent the young employee to DC to receive an those rights.” education in the field. Popko orchestrated a change in thinking across his When he returned to EnCana after graduating organization by hosting cross-cultural workshops in 1987, court cases going through the Supreme for employees with Indigenous Chiefs and Elders Court of Canada were beginning to recognize speaking about their shared history, the impact of First Nations’ rights to crown land. These rulings residential schools and the challenges they face required that First Nations had to be consulted regularly. “I must have sat through 70 of these and compensated for any activity on protected workshops and would just watch employee’s land, with strict regulations and processes in place faces afterwards – they were stunned. It was so that had to be completed before permits could be impactful for all of us.” released. This created a new line of business that companies like EnCana needed to navigate. As the vice-president of Aboriginal Relations at EnCana, Popko’s career followed a unique course Popko, who jumped at the opportunity to get that has allowed him to succeed in business involved, began to consult, communicate and while also advocating for Indigenous rights to fair build relationships with Indigenous peoples in the treatment. community he worked, defining partnerships and

12 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 Under his leadership, EnCana brought together four northeastern Alberta First Nations to jointly own and operate a new drilling rig in 2001. Two years later, EnCana won the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada/Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative’s Aboriginal Relations Best Practice Award of Distinction—an award that recognizes First Nations work.

Developing beneficial joint ventures and partnerships with Indigenous peoples in industry also led to two unforgettable moments in his career. In 2003, Popko was named an honourary Chief at Heart Lake First Nations – a distinction usually only bestowed upon prime ministers or premiers – and two months later became the first industry representative to win a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tribal Chiefs Institute, which is presented on behalf of the Treaty 6 Chiefs.

Only a year later, Popko was selected for an 18-month secondment to consult with Prime one of the largest Canadian crane companies, Minister Paul Martin, provincial premiers and five as their vice president of Indigenous relations – national Indigenous organizations on the Kelowna where he still works today. While similar in title to Accord, a $5 billion dollar initiative that aimed his role at EnCana, working in the crane industry to improve government and provincial relations has been a whole new ballgame for Popko. with Indigenous peoples and provide health care, “I’m on the other side of the table now with economic assistance, education and housing. NCSG – I go to companies like Enbridge and A few years later Popko made the move to EnCana to get them to hire our services. They Enbridge to work on the Northern Gateway need me in a different way now because they Pipeline Project. As gas prices began to drop, he need Indigenous partnerships and no one has ever decided to transition to a new industry and was thought to develop those partnerships with crane hired by NC Services Group Ltd. (NCSG) in 2012, companies.”

DCALUMNI ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 13 Throughout his career, it has been the relationships that he has developed and the mutual respect he gives to and receives from Indigenous peoples that have propelled him forward in business and led to so many accomplishments. When he joined NCSG, Popko was asked to deliver five partnerships in two years – instead, he delivered 14 in just 18 months.

Looking forward, Popko hopes to continue on the path he has carved for himself in Indigenous relations.

“I just hope to continue to maintain respect. From the youth and Chief to the council and Elders, I want to be known as someone who treats Indigenous peoples honourably and respectfully. If I could finish my career like that then that would be wonderful.”

14 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 LET’S STAY IN TOUCH!

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Update your contact information to receive the latest Durham College (DC) news and information on benefits and special offers exclusive only to DC grads.

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DCALUMNI STORY TITLE HERE 15 DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS FROM DC GIVE BACK TO THE DURHAM REGION

Durham College (DC) hosted a free dental clinic in partnership with the Health Mission Outreach (HMO) at the Oshawa campus on June 17. While, over the past five years, students from the Dental Hygiene program have volunteered their skills learned in the classroom to provide free dental care clinics in Toronto and Brampton, this is the first time the service has been offered in Durham Region, catering specifically to those without insurance or living on a fixed income. The HMO is a medical outreach organization that provides health care services to the disadvantaged.

The one-day clinic saw 45 DC students and a few from University of Toronto work alongside 18 volunteer HMO dentists from across Ontario to provide free fillings, extractions and other dental hygiene care for 162 local patients – one of the largest dental outreach initiatives in the Durham Region.

While students receive ongoing experience and skill-building in DC’s Dental Clinic as they perform dental examinations and cleanings under the supervision of faculty and staff, the free clinic with HMO also gave them the opportunity to give back to the community in which they live and study before they finish the final semester of their program.

A second, larger free health clinic with HMO will be offered in November for those that missed out, with participation once again from the Dental Hygiene program, as well as a few others in the School of Health and Community Services.

16 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 Dental Hygiene students volunteering their skills at the HMO free clinic

DCALUMNI DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS FROM DC GIVE BACK TO THE DURHAM REGION 17 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

CASSIE-JEAN DILLON, 2018 Beyond that she was also struggling to keep Cassie-Jean Dillon’s Durham College (DC) journey herself and her daughter safe – the second time started over 20 years ago with a single class. Dillon enrolled in a course at DC she was living in a women’s shelter after enduring horrific domestic “In the mid-80s, I enrolled in a series of DOS violence. She credits the weekly class structure computer classes. I was 23 years old and already a and focus required to learn with helping her single parent. My employer was offering a chance survive that difficult time. to attend computer training courses and I had always regretted not attending high school, so I Survivor is just one part of who Dillon is – she’s was eager for the opportunity to learn.” also Kanienkeha:ka, part of the Mohawk Nation, a member of the Wolf Clan, and a second- It was the first time she had ever stepped foot generation residential school survivor. on a college campus, let alone taken a college course, and she was more than a little intimidated. “Growing up, being a second-generation survivor Fortunately, stronger than her feelings of meant just the idea of attending school raised intimidation was her determination to succeed. concern in my older family members,” she said. “It was never encouraged or considered a priority.” “I remember coming to tears in one programming class,” she shared. “But these DOS certificates It was all the more remarkable then when Dillon represented a pivotal moment in my journey. They also became a First-Generation post-secondary opened the door for me to have more than just a student. In 2015, after being laid off following job – I was building a foundation for a career.” 25 years of continuous employment, she found herself back on the DC campus – this time as a Over two decades, Dillon returned to DC several grandmother – with a plan to use her severance times to add to her computer credentials. Though pay to fund the full-time studies that had always she carried a dream of pursuing full-time studies, eluded her. After achieving terrific success in her life’s realities kept it out of reach. Raising her academic upgrading courses, Dillon entered the daughter alone made full-time employment a Fitness and Health Promotion diploma program. must, only leaving windows in the evenings and weekends for her to study.

18 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 “My goal going into the program was focused and modest: graduate and be qualified to share my knowledge about health promotion to empower my Indigenous brothers and sisters to exercise healthy lifestyle choices,” she said.

Looking back on how far she’s come, Dillon still gets emotional – only now the tears come from a very different place than they did during her first days on campus attending DOS certification classes.

“I still have some disbelief that I really achieved what I always dreamed of,” said Dillon. “But I wanted to show my grandchildren that anything is possible. I want them to want education and experience the same support that I had at DC.”

After graduation, Dillon received a contract with the federal government as a learning assistant Cassie-Jean Dillon speaking at the Building Something Amazing with the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) campaign launch in 2017 – a fitting role for someone as drawn to education “Looking forward, I hope to develop content and life-long learning as she is. specific to the TRC and how our federal and Now, Dillon manages logistics at CSPS to ensure provincial governments are working towards efficient delivery of courses covering a myriad of fulfilling the 94 calls to action,” she said. “I plan to topics. She also assists faculty to ensure course showcase successes within the post-secondary content is kept up-to-date, a role she hopes to education system, identify barriers and perform a take further by integrating recommendations gap analysis.” from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Dillon will also pursue further education as she Canada’s (TRC) calls to action. works in her new position; she is enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work at Trent University starting this fall.

DCALUMNI ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 19 INSPIRATION FROM THE GROUND UP

When Sara Wodinsky enrolled in Durham College’s accessing the gardens to prepare for restaurant (DC) Special Events Management program, she could service, taking courses in the beverage labs or gaining never imagine the impact that decision would have experience as a volunteer at various events held at on the course of her life. the centre, she loved the tightknit community.

After completing her diploma in 2015, she decided In her current job at the Grafton Village Inn, she to further her skills by registering in the college’s works with a small team, which is why it is important Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations that she has a diverse skill set to draw on and is able Management program, which she graduated from to understand all the facets of operating the inn and in 2018. She is now working in her chosen field and café; something she does with ease because of her will soon be leaving to complete her BA (Honours) training and the opportunities she had at the CFF. in Business Studies with Event Management at the Crediting the building as being “built for industry”, its Limerick Institute of Technology in Ireland. design allowed her to gain exposure to all the areas she now has to work with, which has deepened her While Sara was a student, she called the W. Galen understanding of the challenges and issues they face Weston Centre for Food (CFF) home. Built with and how they operate. gifts from local government, individuals, businesses and other organizations, and focused on the field- So much more than walls and windows, the CFF to-fork concept, the CFF is home to a range of created inspiration for Sara from the ground up, complementary programs and boasts numerous playing a leading role in fostering the sense of sustainable features and extensive grounds. These community and love of learning that were hallmarks include an apple orchard, agricultural planting fields, of her time as a student and have allowed her to build pollinator garden, outdoor classroom and two-acre her career. arboretum. Students can also learn in greenhouses, Dynamic, modern environments like the CFF enhance kitchens, laboratories and Bistro ’67, a full-service, the curriculum and help bring DC’s programs to life, teaching-inspired restaurant, as well as Pantry, a playing their part in contributing to the college’s unique retail store for student-created goods, which mission that the student experience comes first. If are both open to the public. you would like to support student success, please Sara fondly remembers the CFF and credits its many consider a gift to the Building Something Amazing features for enhancing her education. Whether campaign.

20 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 Sara Wodinsky (right) at the Centre for Food’s sustainability trade show in March 2017

DCALUMNI INSPIRATION FROM THE GROUND UP 21 FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS

Make the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food’s (CFF) recipe entry for the Salt-Free Canada Challenge at home!

Learn more about the challenge at www.saltfreecanada.ca.

SALT-FREE CHICKEN SALAD WITH ORANGE GINGER VINAIGRETTE Chicken marinade Vinaigrette 1/3 cup vegetable oil 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 15 tbsp honey 1/2 tbsp shallot, minced 5 sprigs cilantro, washed 2 tbsp ginger, minced 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tbsp honey 1/2 tbsp black pepper, coarsely ground 1/2 tsp black pepper, ground 1/2 tbsp coriander seeds 1/2 tsp mustard powder 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes 1 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 2 chicken breasts, boneless with skin 2 sprigs cilantro, washed Juice from one lime (reserve zest) 1 tsp sesame oil 2/3 cup vegetable oil Method: combine all ingredients, pour over Juice from one lemon chicken breasts and marinate for minimum one hour, preferably overnight. Method: combine all ingredients except the sesame and vegetable oils into a blender. Blend on medium speed, slowly pouring in the oils while blending.

Alternatively, you may whisk vigorously by hand while dripping in the oils to create an emulsion, however, the resulting vinaigrette may not be as thick.

22 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 Salad Sear chicken, skin side down in pan with sesame 1 tbsp sesame oil oil. Once skin is uniformly golden, turn breasts 1 tsp black pepper, ground over and brush with honey. Add red onion. Finish 1 tbsp honey in oven until internal temperature of chicken 1 red onion, julienned reaches 165F (approximately eight to 12 minutes). 3 tbsp pistachios, toasted Toss arugula with 1/4 cup orange ginger Reserved lime zest from chicken marinade vinaigrette, roasted red peppers and pistachios. 1 roasted red pepper, julienned Divide between three plates and top salads with 1/4 cup orange ginger vinaigrette warm onions and sliced chicken. 6 cups baby arugula

Method: preheat over to 400F. Preheat cast iron or thick-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Pat dry marinated chicken, season with black pepper and lime zest.

DCALUMNI CFF RECIPE 23 CAREER DEVELOPMENT

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• Provide you with tools to help identify your skills and strengths. BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT:

• Help you develop networking skills OFFICE HOURS: and prepare for job interviews. Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oshawa campus: SSB 212 Whitby campus: Room 180

DCALUMNI DURHAM COLLEGE CAREER DEVELOPMENT 25 ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION RECIPIENTS PLAY VIDEO

ROLAND KIELBASIEWICZ Even after all these years, Kielbasiewicz has FAST FACTS strong ties to DC. Since graduating, he has been a Program Advisory Committee member, a guest • Graduation year: 1990 speaker in numerous classes, and has used his • Program: Business Operations Management business acumen in research projects at DC, partnering with the Office of Research Services, • Currently: CEO of Loraxian, Inc. Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE). • Number of Durham College (DC) grads he’s hired: Three

• Favourite DC campus spot: Cafeteria

Roland Kielbasiewicz has always been an entrepreneur. Starting his construction company the year before he entered the Business Operations Management program at Durham College meant that his free time on campus was spent doing payroll for his employees or taking business calls. So when he graduated in 1990, there was nothing to do but hit the ground running.

Kielbasiewicz is now the Founder and CEO of Loraxian, Inc., a company specializing in providing sustainable infrastructure solutions in Canada and internationally. He is also the founder of the IGNITE Infrastructure Association, a non-profit organization which provides energy efficient and sustainable infrastructure capabilities to government, First Nations, education and healthcare sectors.

26 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 BRYANT WOOD including the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, which works to free families FAST FACTS from domestic violence, and the Ganaraska • Graduation year: 1990 River Fishery Strategy Committee. He is also the past vice-president of the Port Hope Police • Program: Electronics Engineering Technology Association and was a past board member for the Northumberland Domestic Violence Action • Currently: Chief of Port Hope Police Service Committee. • Number of Durham College (DC) grads he’s Chief Wood has three sons, two of which hired: Three currently attend DC. He is a diligent advocate for • Favourite DC campus spot: Fitness area individuals who have been diagnosed with Autism, and cafeteria including his youngest son Nathan, and was a founding member of the Northumberland Family As chief of the Port Hope Police Service, Bryant Autism Support Network. Wood is one of 54 people province-wide who currently hold the rank of chief of police. During his 25-year career, he has served as deputy chief and in supervisory roles providing leadership and mentoring. Chief Wood credits the education he received at DC for providing him with technical and teamwork skills that have been valuable in his policing career.

A decorated police veteran, Chief Wood was recognized by the Governor General of Canada with the Star of Courage and Medal of Bravery in 2010, as well as the Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2013. He was also awarded the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in 2008.

In addition to his work, he has also given back to the community, sitting on numerous boards

DCALUMNI ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION WINNERS 27 MANJULA SELVARAJAH Youth Development Centre, the Canadian Tamil Congress, and for fundraisers in support of the FAST FACTS Tamil Studies Conference and charities in the • Graduation year: 2014 north and east of Sri Lanka. She is also involved in the DC community, chairing the college’s • Program: Journalism, Print and Broadcast Journalism Advisory Committee and having returned to DC in February to speak to students • Currently: Columnist for CBC Radio and during the annual Alumni in the Pit event. producer for Metro Morning

• Favourite Durham College (DC) campus spot: The Chronicle newsroom

Before coming to DC, Manjula Selvarajah’s career focused on making topics compelling and palatable as vice-president of Toronto start-up software firm Eloqua. A career pivot brought her to the journalism program at Durham College (DC) and she now focuses on finding and sharing the truth about information and presenting it as frankly as possible.

As a Toronto-based freelance journalist, Selvarajah talks to CBC radio audiences across the country about interesting developments in technology. She has guest hosted CBC Radio’s Toronto music show, Big City Small World, and presented a column called Live and Learn on CBC’s Fresh Air. She also co-hosted one of the few English shows on Canadian Tamil television, Crossroads on Tamil Vision International.

Selvarajah is also the co-founder of the volunteer- run organization Tamil Women Rising, and has volunteered extensively with the Canadian Tamil

28 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 KURTIS SISK of HealthPartners New Brunswick, having also served as its chair from 2009 to 2013, and was FAST FACTS the national chairperson of Canadian Cancer • Graduation year: 2000 Society’s Relay for Life working group in 2006.

• Program: Public Relations A firm believer in experiential learning, he has provided both summer and co-operative • Currently: CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation education placements with the Heart and Stroke of New Brunswick Foundation to over 100 students. Kurtis is also currently completing his Executive Master of • Favourite Durham College (DC) campus spot: Business Administration specializing in Social Student Centre Enterprise Leadership at the University of New Known as a passionate leader in the non-profit Brunswick. sector, Kurtis Sisk has worked his way up the corporate ladder over the last 13 years at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick to CEO, where he now oversees a team responsible for achieving a significant 126 per cent fundraising growth with over $3.4 million in revenue.

He has worked tirelessly to raise necessary funds in a province where demand for heart disease and stroke care is high and financial conditions for fundraising are tough. Under his leadership, the Heart and Stroke Foundation continues to be a strong and growing presence in New Brunswick.

His achievements include bringing the Hockey Heroes Weekend event to the province, an event that has become the largest fundraiser in Atlantic Canada, raising over $800,000 in 2017 alone. Kurtis is also a current committee member

DCALUMNI ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION WINNERS 29 NEW BENEFITS FOR DURHAM COLLEGE (DC) ALUMNI

DC alumni have access to hundreds of benefits and services. To view them all, please visitwww. durhamcollege.ca/alumnibenefits.

ONTARIO HYUNDAI JULIE ARMSTRONG RENNIE – REMAX Ontario Hyundai offers Durham College Alumni Durham College alumni who sell or purchase their the following discounts: home exclusively through Julie Armstrong Rennie, sales representative, RE/MAX, are eligible to • $100 gas card with the purchase of a pre- receive: owned vehicle • $1,000 to $1,500 towards your property sale • $500 discount on any new, in-stock, compact or purchasing expenses upon closing; or car or sedan • $2,000 to $3,000 towards your choice of sale • $750 off on any in-stock SUV and/or purchasing expenses upon closing of In addition, Hyundai will offer a $200 coupon both. towards a protection plan. Contact Julie Armstrong Rennie at 905.244.6677 To redeem the savings, please email Steve or [email protected] and mention the Durham Chahley at [email protected]. College discount code: DR9052446677.

Conditions apply on certain vehicles. In addition, for each transaction, Julie Armstrong Rennie will make a donation to the Durham College Foundation.

To find out more information TORONTO ARGONAUTS on benefits visit Enjoy discounted Argos tickets as low as $17 www.durhamcollege.ca/alumni including $5 beer all summer long using promo code: DURHAMALUMNI18.

30 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 DCALUMNI NEW BENEFITS 31 1993

CLASS NOTES Marci Peters Business Administration – Marketing ALUMNI UPDATES Marci is the director of customer operations at TouchBistro and lives in Toronto, Ont.

1981 1997

David Jenkins Michael Konderka Business Administration Sports Administration David is a realtor for MaxWell Realty Invermere Michael is the president and general manager of and lives in Panorama, B.C. The Enviro-Niagara Group and lives in Welland, Ont. with his wife, Jennifer, and two kids, Emma 1989 and Austin. Karen Ball (née Ries) 2003 Legal Administration Karen is a law clerk for the Corporation of the Erin Reynolds County of Simcoe and lives in Oro-Medonte, Ont. Public Relations Erin is a marketing communications specialist with 1991 Samsonite Canada Inc. and lives in St. Mary’s, Ont. Judy Dancause (née Van Loon) Nancy Osuszek (née Johnstone) Business Administration – Marketing Law Clerk Advanced Judy is the volunteer liaison at Cornwall Hospital Nancy is an estates law clerk for Strike and Philip and lives in Martintown, Ont. with her husband, LLP and lives in Whitby, Ont. with her husband, Richard, and two kids, Bridgette and Austin. Max and son, Henry. Kyle Hudson 2010 Business – Marketing Kyle is a certified financial planner for Investors Ashley Charlebois Group Financial Services Inc., and lives in Whitby, Advanced Legal Administration Ont. with his wife, Leslie and daughter, Sienna. Ashley is a legal assistant at Epstein Cole LLP and lives in Scarborough, Ont.

32 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 2012 UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION Shane Cicchine Do you have something new going on in your Food and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology life? We would love to hear about it! Update your Shane is the continuous improvement lead at Post information online atwww.durhamcollege.ca/ Consumer Brands Ltd. and lives in Peterborough, alumni/updateyourinfo. Ont. with his wife, Suzie. Be sure to indicate that you would like to Michael McElroy share this information to appear in the Alumni Business – General – Transfer to UOIT Bachelor of Magazine. Commerce Michael is an account manager at TD Commercial Banking and lives in Bowmanville, Ont. with his wife, Jenna and daughter, Everley.

2017

Elisa Spinello Photography Elisa is an assistant photographer at Cosmo Music and lives in Markham, Ont.

Cynthia Gallan Office Administration – Medical (fast-track) Cynthia is a ward clerk for Northumberland Hills and lives in Bowmanville, Ont. with her two kids, Daniel and Rachel-Lynn.

Alison Bounader Digital Media Management Alison is a digital coordinator for The T1 Agency and lives in Ajax, Ont.

DCALUMNI CLASS NOTES 33 SPORTS SHORTS CCAA MEN’S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNING TO DURHAM COLLEGE Durham College (DC) is pleased to share that The eight-team tournament will feature it has been named host of the 2019 Canadian conference champions from the Pacific Western Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) men’s Athletic Association (PACWEST), Alberta Colleges soccer national championship. Held at Vaso’s Field Athletic Conference (ACAC), OCAA, Réseau du at the Oshawa campus Wednesday, November 6 sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) and Atlantic to Saturday, November 9, 2019. Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) as well as two wildcard teams and the host Lords. “It’s an exciting time for the school, the program and the players,” said head coach Dave Ashfield. “We are very proud to be hosting our 15th CCAA “We got back to the national championship for national championship in our school history,” the first time in 18 years last season and feel like said Ken Babcock, director, Athletics, DC. “A we’re building a great, winning culture again at highly committed host committee is dedicated to Durham. We want to show that to the nation making this prestigious event memorable for all.” and also show our top college players our newly renovated Vaso’s Field, which will be amongst the best facilities in the country.”

34 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018

LORDS TO HOST 2018 OCAA BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP For the first time since 2014, the Durham The Lords hope that getting back to home field College (DC) Lords will play host to the Ontario will be a key to their success, having won silver Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) baseball the last time they played host. Durham lost the championship. The two-day tournament, which 2014 final to the St. Clair Saints, and since the features the top four teams in Ontario, will take incorporation of OCAA baseball in 2013, St. Clair place Friday, October 19 to Saturday, October has won all five championships. 20, 2018 at Kinsmen Civic Memorial Stadium in Oshawa. “Every season it’s a battle to get back on the podium and next season will be no different “We are excited to host the OCAA championship as each college has continued to add some again in Oshawa,” said Ken Babcock, director, outstanding athletes,” said Babcock. “As host Athletics, DC. “Ontario continues to be leaders we’re hoping that we will be not only be able at the collegiate level across the country, so fans to win another OCAA baseball medal, but be in can expect to see some fantastic baseball over the championship contention and hopefully end the two days of play at Kinsmen Stadium.” Saints title streak.”

DCALUMNI SPORTS SHORTS 35 SAVE THE DATE

Durham College vs. UOIT women’s soccer game Harvest Dinner Tuesday, September 4, 2018 Thursday, September 20, 2018 7 to 8 p.m. 5:30 p.m. – Cocktails (including craft beer and wine sampling) Vaso’s Field – Oshawa campus 6:30 p.m. – Dinner 50 Conlin Rd, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5 W. Galen Weston Centre for Food – Whitby Campus Durham College vs UOIT men’s soccer game 1604 Champlain Ave., Whitby, ON. L1N 6A7 Tuesday, September 4, 2018 8 to 9 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/harvestdinner Vaso’s Field – Oshawa campus 50 Conlin Rd, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5 LinkedIn 101 Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Durham College Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting For more information, please visit Wednesday, September 12, 2018 www.durhamcollege.ca/b2b. 7 to 9 p.m.

Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE) – Fall Open House Global Classroom – Oshawa campus Saturday, November 10, 2018 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Durham College Oshawa and Whitby campuses, and Pickering Learning Site

36 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 Etiquette Dinner PAST EVENTS Monday, November 19, 2018 6 to 9 p.m. Durham College (DC) Alumni Night – Blue Jays Game Bistro ’67 – W. Galen Weston Centre for Food – July 24, 2018 Whitby Campus 1604 Champlain Ave., Whitby, ON. L1N 6A7 Let’s go Blue Jays! DC’s Alumni Night sold out for the second year in a row with 120 alumni in For more information and to purchase tickets, attendance. A special edition t-shirt was designed please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/b2b. by alumna and current DC employee Beth Chapleau and the group was featured showing their DC pride on the jumbotron in the fourth inning.

DCALUMNI SAVE THE DATE 37 AT DURHAM COLLEGE, THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE COMES FIRST AND YOU CAN HELP MAKE IT EVEN BETTER WHY GIVING MATTERS : CHOICES FOR GIVING: Durham College (DC) offers more than 140 full- Having grown rapidly over the past decade, time, market-driven programs in a variety of fields, renewed and expanded space designed to meet providing students with an opportunity to excel in the needs of our students is our top priority. A their chosen area. gift to the Building Something Amazing campaign will help DC deliver on the vision behind the new Whether DC students are inventing new ways Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE). The to implement sustainable practices; writing, CFCE will offer students a new perspective on designing, filming, or animating; utilizing their their futures and what they can achieve; inspire caring nature to contribute to the health and cultural comprehension and connection; drive social wellness of others; or advocating on behalf entrepreneurship here in Durham Region and of the law – they are successful! beyond; and establish deep connections between With your support, anything is possible. DC, our students and the communities that we serve.

DC is pleased to be able to provide more than $2 million in scholarship and bursary funding each year. While building inspiring space for students is our highest priority, gifts supporting scholarship and bursaries are also welcome.

Regardless of where you choose to direct your gift, all donations are eligible for tax receipts and donor recognition is provided to honour your generous contribution.

38 DCALUMNI AUGUST 2018 HAVE QUESTIONS? Please contact Linda Flynn, associate vice- president, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs if you have any questions.

READY TO DONATE NOW? There are two ways to make a donation: Online:

Giving online is a fast, efficient and secure way to support our students and projects. To give online now, click here.

Mail:

Donations may be sent by cheque, money order (made payable to Durham College Foundation) or credit card. Please complete and mail the giving form to:

Durham College Foundation, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs

2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5 Canada

For more information about giving to DC visit www.durhamcollge.ca/giving

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